The best bakeries & sweet shops in Monterey

“Whether it's a special-occasion dessert or a box of something flaky for the break room, Lupita's Bakery turns out quality breads and pastries made to order. A low-key local standby that keeps weekdays sweeter and weekends covered, perfect for potlucks, neighbor thank-yous, and 3 pm sugar pep talks.”

From the Monterey newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Bakery known for Mexican breads, including cakes, and tamales, plus breakfast fare.”

“Ice cream parlor chain known for its many ice cream flavors & sundaes, plus cakes, drinks & other treats.”

“Since 1950, Red's Donuts has been serving the Monterey Bay community with hand-made, made-fresh-daily classics like cinnamon rolls and fritters, plus coffee and cold drinks. They’ll deliver to local businesses and take orders for any occasion, which makes last-minute office heroics a lot easier.”

From the Seaside newsletter, September 7, 2026

“A Seaside standby since 1985, Palermo Bakery turns out artisan loaves that actually taste like something, leaning authentic Italian but perfect for everyday meals. Grab a crusty loaf on your way home and suddenly pasta night, tomato-toast mornings, and impromptu sandwiches all level up.”

From the Seaside newsletter, September 11, 2026

“Pies, cakes and pastries are the menu anchors at this shop known for quick service.”

“Ice cream parlor chain known for its many ice cream flavors & sundaes, plus cakes, drinks & other treats.”

“When a birthday, baby shower, or random sugar craving hits this week, Sweet Note Cakes turns it into a gorgeous, flavor-forward centerpiece, including creations like the Floral Wreath. Founder Betsy crafts celebration cakes and sweets to order, delivering that rare combo of looks and tastes that disappear by breakfast.”

From the San Jose newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Room For Dessert is a by-order Monterey bakery turning decorated sugar cookies into tiny edible art for weddings, corporate thank-yous, and just-because celebrations. Put in an order this week or snag a spot at one of their parties/workshops, then pretend you made them yourself, we won't tell.”

From the Monterey newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Since 1936, Peters' Bakery has kept the South Bay sweet with its iconic Burnt Almond Cake, baked fresh using time-honored recipes. This week, snag a slice or a seasonal Strawberry Ring, plus pies, fresh doughnuts, croissants, whipped cream eclairs, cookies, and their famous fruit bars.”

From the San Jose newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Ad Astra Bread Co. keeps locals happy with good loaves, plus baking classes and kitchen projects if you like to geek out about dough. Find their bread around town or tap their catering for gatherings, an easy way to impress without turning your kitchen into a flour storm.”

From the Monterey newsletter, September 21, 2026

“Craving something sweet that actually looks as good as it tastes? C'est Si Bon Bakery turns birthdays, baby showers, and random Tuesdays into events with custom cakes, cupcakes, dessert bars, and melt-in-your-mouth Persian cookies, plus classes and kid parties if you want to get hands on this week.”

From the Los Banos newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Cocola is your Bay Area-born pastry and cake HQ, baking from scratch daily with flaky breakfast bites, lush whole cakes, and legit sandwiches and salads. When the office slacks you about treats or a celebration pops up midweek, their bite-size assortments and half-size cakes make you look impossibly on top of it.”

From the Santa Clara newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Franchise bakery specializing in handcrafted bundt cakes, plus curated gifts & party supplies.”

“Flower Flour turns big days into better ones with gorgeous custom cakes for weddings and every other excuse to celebrate, plus daily wins like morning buns, almond croissants, and guava or burnt almond slices. Treat yourself this week, then start a custom cake request and make the next party easy.”

From the Morgan Hill newsletter, August 11, 2026

“Homey shop offering fudge, truffles and chocolates as well as gifts and taffy.”

“Craving a midweek morale boost this week? San Jose Candy Kitchen delivers small-batch fudge, English toffee, pralines, fresh-dipped strawberries, and those viral pistachio treats, plus Marianne’s Ice Cream blended into shakes and sundaes that basically taste like summer.”

From the Santa Clara newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Kick-Ass Cupcakes is a local home baker turning nostalgia into seriously good treats, from Root Beer Float and S'mores to the new Dark Cherry Chocolate Fudge with tart cherry buttercream. Made to order, perfect for backyard hangs or low-key celebrations this week, and baked with a little attitude and a lot of love.”

From the Campbell newsletter, August 17, 2026

“Got a celebration on the calendar this week? Aria's Sweet Treats nails custom cakes and gourmet desserts for birthday parties and events, and they handle dessert catering too, so your Morgan Hill gathering wins before the first slice.”

From the Morgan Hill newsletter, August 17, 2026

“Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.”

“Craving a legit morning pick-me-up? The Perfect Crumb Bakery Inc. turns out fresh pastries daily, pours Peet’s coffee from a full espresso bar, and keeps lunch easy with hot and cold sandwiches.”

From the Seaside newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Whether this week calls for a kid-hype rainbow layer, a sleek semi-naked berry situation, or a totally custom ice cream cake, San Jose Cakes Delighted bakes everything from scratch and nails the details. Send your idea, get a quote, then watch dessert steal the party.”

From the San Jose newsletter, August 10, 2026

“Craving a celebration cake or a just-because treat this week? SusieCakes - Willow Glen turns out classic cakes, cupcakes, cookies and seasonal winners like Summer Strawberry Whip Cake and Key Lime Pie, and you can order online for local pickup or delivery so dessert basically delivers itself.”

From the Morgan Hill newsletter, August 14, 2026

“When the croissant craving hits, Sweet Elena's Bakery & Café delivers with from-scratch pastries, quiches, hearty sandwiches, and legit espresso using organic flour and seasonal, local produce. Pro tip, stock up on their new Take-n-Bake so future-you has warm treats without leaving the house.”

From the Salinas newsletter, August 21, 2026

“Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.”

“Franchise bakery specializing in handcrafted bundt cakes, plus curated gifts & party supplies.”

“Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.”

“Mariette Chocolates turns out hand-crafted truffles, chews and creams, plus chocolate-covered fruits and nuts that actually taste like the real thing.”

From the Watsonville newsletter, September 4, 2026

“Pink Elephant Bakeries has been baking since 1978, turning out authentic pan dulce, Tres Leches cakes, and flan y gelatinas that taste like home. Order online for custom pasteles or a tray of mini pan dulce, then take full credit at the next family get-together.”

From the Los Banos newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Lula's Chocolates is Monterey-made and family-run, turning Grandma Lula’s recipes into small-batch sea salt caramels, truffle collections, and legit toffee you’ll hide from roommates. Grab a box that rescues late-afternoon slumps, or book a cozy at-home tasting with their virtual chocolate events.”

From the Monterey newsletter, August 11, 2026

“Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.”

“Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.”

“Eco-minded chain with natural & organic grocery items, housewares & other products (most sell wine).”

“Whether your week needs a buttery croissant sandwich, a slice of quiche Lorraine, or a tart that tastes like sunshine, Parker-Lusseau Pastries keeps the case stacked with the good stuff. Swing by the historic Fremont Adobe for macarons and breads that mysteriously vanish before you’re home.”

From the Monterey newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Longtime supermarket chain carrying brand-name & house-label groceries, plus a deli, bakery & more.”

“CA Bakehouse is the new home of Century Bakery and the creator of the original Green Waffle, turning fresh-blended pandan into silky custard for almond choux and layering buttery puff dough like it’s a superpower. Treat yourself this week to something nostalgic, a little quirky, and seriously good.”

From the San Jose newsletter, August 19, 2026

“m. craving. The team actually helps you pick the right goodies, and yes, it still makes you feel 8 years old.”

From the Salinas newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Teen-oriented retail chain for a large assortment of games, snacks, jewelry, room decor & more.”

“Quaint 1906 bakeshop dispensing European-style pastries & pretzels, coffee, soups & sandwiches.”

“Long-running and delightfully old-school, Carousel Candies keeps locals coming back for homemade caramel corn, chocolate clusters, taffy, and popcorn. Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a low-effort gift that still feels thoughtful, with enough flavors to keep the pantry dangerously well-stocked.”

From the Monterey newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Layers makes everyday wins feel like milestones with standard or mini cakes, custom designs, and a pastry case loaded with signature cannoli and Italian cookies. Family-run since 1989, they still nail classics like Death by Chocolate, Lemon Butter, and crowd-pleasing wedding cakes.”

From the Monterey newsletter, September 14, 2026

“Sea Shack Candy Co. is bringing authentic Swedish candy to Carmel-by-the-Sea with signature mixes named after our backyard, from The Carmel Mix to The Pebble Mix and The Big Sur Mix. Hit their Pick N' Mix or Bubs Bags for a midweek sugar mood-lift that tastes like summer, even on foggy afternoons.”

From the Monterey newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Quiet coffeehouse offering gluten-free versions of cakes, cookies and muffins.”

“Frost Cupcake Factory bakes gourmet, from-scratch cupcakes on a rotating flavor calendar, plus gluten free and dairy free/vegan picks and individually packaged 'safe sweets' for events. Check this week’s lineup, snag a mix, and watch morale spike.”

From the Santa Clara newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Set in the restored Cooper Molera complex, Alta Bakery and Cafe turns out in-house, fresh-every-day pastries, good coffee, and an elevated New American menu that makes midday meals a little too easy to justify. When you want quality without fuss, this is the move.”

From the Monterey newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Rustic bread, pastries & sandwiches are specialties at this cozy French bakery.”

“Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.”

“Freedom Bakery, the oldest bakery in the Monterey Bay Area, turns birthdays, baby showers, office wins and just-because moments into edible art with custom cakes, cupcakes, pies and photo cookies. Bring them your wild theme...”

From the Monterey newsletter, August 30, 2026